Orion’s first flight one year ago was an extremely important milestone in the development of the vehicle. Orion performed admirably in the face of some of the most hazardous reentry conditions experienced by a spacecraft, and proved the technology that will one day take humans out to deep space.

Crew module after splash down in the Pacific Ocean with the Crew Module Uprighting System bags deployed and the USS Anchorage in the background

Crew module after splashdown in the Pacific Ocean with the Crew Module Uprighting System bags deployed and the USS Anchorage in the background

Click here for a comprehensive rundown of Orion’s first mission.